Popper Physics

Notes : To figure out the average height for the table below , add up the three heights and divide by 3 . To figure out the average time add the 4 time measurements and divide by 4

Table 1 : Popper physics data

Trial Number Maximum Height (m

1 1 .1

2 1 .3

3 1 .32

Average : 1 .24

Trial Number Time in Air (s

1 0 .90

2 1 .18

3 0 .97

4 1 .03

p Average : 1 .02

Questions

What is the gravitational potential energy your popper has at its maximum height you measured ? Use g 9 .8 m /s2 , and a mass of 0 .01 kg

Note : For question 1 , use the equation for Potential Energy listed below your potential energy is equal to 0 .01 kg times 9 .8 m /sec squared times the average height (in meters ) The answer is in the units of joules

PE mgh (0 .01 kg (9 .8 m /s2 (1 .24 m

PE 0 .12152 Nm or 0 .12152 Joules

The gravitational potential energy of the popper at its maximum height is its maximum potential energy , which in this case is 0 .12152 J . This is because the kinetic energy of the rising popper would have completely converted to potential energy at this point . Thus , for an instant , the popper stops ' in mid-air before the net force vector is downward due to the downwards force of gravity and its potential energy is...